Darsham Restaurant Guide

“There’s a buzz about this place” – an old smugglers’ inn on the Suffolk coast that’s “very popular” with locals but also “convenient when holidaying in the Dunwich area and a bonus for a last dinner before the homeward journey”. Now part of East Anglia’s Chestnut Group, it turns out “super” locally sourced food, combining trad pub classics with more foodie-oriented options (plus the “child menu offers proper food”). In addition to the characterful bar there’s a small dining room, airy conservatory and – of more recent ilk – a “promising” new garden service.

“Everything is absolutely delicious, from savoury to sweet” at this “highly recommended” bakery that has grown to 10 branches across Norfolk and Suffolk in just 12 years since launching in Southwold (now with a central bakery and cookery school in Darsham). “They clearly source good-quality ingredients and know what to do with them”, serving up “excellent cooked breakfasts”, “generous pastries, tasty stuffed croissants and good coffee”, supplemented by “changing specials” and “gluten-free options too”.